"Put the sword down."
This phrase caused me to pause right where I was. Time and space froze, and all I could see were the words suspended into the air. There is a reason words have power. They come from the All Powerful One. There I was. Feeling all the weight of my little world and trying to do what I could as a wife, mother, and minister. Yet, these four simple words strung together a symphony of understanding I have never heard in this way before.
Often, we don't realize how long we've been bringing swords into boardrooms and church services. Swinging them at tables with minimal seating, as we try and squeeze our way between the shoulders of those we admire. Sometimes, we've been fighting for a spot, a say, an ounce of recognition or substance that we forget not every situation calls for the sword. Whether at home, work, school or at church, the sword is in our hand at the ready.
I'm reminded when it was time for the Lord Jesus Christ to be turned over to those seeking His life, which ultimately led to the crucifixion and our eternal victory. The disciples were afraid and did not understand the true importance of the situation. In his natural humanity to protect someone he loved, Peter drew his sword, attacked and wounded a soldier.
"Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?" John 18:10-11
"Put up thy sword into the sheath." Jesus was being arrested, and He tells Peter this isn't the time for the sword. Yes, it looks like a bad situation, but this is what's supposed to happen. Peter, put down the sword and remember what I told you.
In Matthew 11, Jesus taught about the yoke. A yoke is a piece of equipment that is used to help cattle plow the fields. It was more efficient to have two animals, side-by-side, connected by a yoke. This helped them shoulder the burden of the work together.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus says to come all those who are weary and heavy. Those of us trying to carry the work alone. Those of us knee-deep in our to-do lists, charts, phone calls, and meetings. Those of us still healing as we work, doing our best to honor the Lord with brokenness.
Some of us are used to fighting to survive but God wants us to trust Him and thrive. Put down the sword today and pick up the yoke. Let Jesus shoulder the load as you walk lighter, knowing the Creator of the universe and Father of your soul knows what you need today.
Photo courtesy of Joyful via Unsplash
